Problem Based Learning In The AIS Course

This paper first introduces the reader to problem based learning and builds a case for implementing it in accounting. A problem suitable for introducing this approach in the AIS course is then presented. Two possible solutions to the problem are then presented using the MS Office Desktop. The first solution involves the use of dynamic data exchange (DDE) between Word and Excel and the second solution utilizes the reporting capabilities of Access. This is a very modest attempt at introducing this instructional approach in that it is introduced as part of a course rather than a redesign of a complete course or curriculum

Database Updates in Access

Many of the Accounting Information Systems (AIS) courses now include database technology as an integral part of the course.  In most cases this technology is implemented using a relational database, and in most cases Microsoft Access is used as a vehicle for instruction on this topic.  After a quick overview/review of Access, this paper focuses on the different meanings of the term update, and more importantly, looks at how one can update a field in a record such as items on hand or a customers’ balance that most if not all current texts fail to describe. An Access Basic Event handling procedure that is contained in a form will be used to accomplish the update

Implementing The Information Processes Underlying The Sales/Collection Cycle Using Access

The objective of this paper is to provide the reader with some exposure as to how accounting information is recorded and processed when a strict relational database approach is implemented. The application described is from the sales/collection cycle and it should provide the information customer with a meaningful Access database exercise that will allow the user to implement the concepts set forth in good database design, as well as the event-driven approach to business technology solutions. The text of this article is excerpted in the form of a student exercise and is included as an Appendix, which can be used as an assignment by the AIS professor

Villes et politiques urbaines au Canada et aux États-Unis

L'analyse de l'évolution de la ville nord-américaine, surtout depuis les années 1960, permet d'identifier les maux actuels, d'étudier les solutions envisageables et d'évaluer les enjeux sociaux, économiques, urbanistiques et politiques. La perspective comparative a été volontairement privilégiée car elle permet de mieux dégager la spécificité de la ville canadienne. La comparaison est essentiellement centrée sur le Canada et les États-Unis mais n'exclut pas quelques allusions au modèle britannique. Trois avenues disciplinaires ont été privilégiées, celle qui relève du politique, celle qui relève du sociologique et celle qui a trait aux disciplines liées à l'étude et à l'aménagement de l'espace (pour cette dernière, trois axes ou trois niveaux d'analyse ont été retenus et traitent de l'organisation de l'espace, du fonctionnement de l'économie et de la gestion politique tant au niveau national/fédéral que régional ou local). On constate les signes d'une évidente évolution, qu'il s'agisse du passage du semi-social au pénal, c'est-à-dire d'un système de protection à un système de pénalisation ou bien encore du passage de la sphère publique à celle du privé et, enfin, d'une dévolution de pouvoirs qui transfère les responsabilités du niveau central à l'échelon local. On est ainsi passé de la phase de la réglementation par le sommet à une phase de désengagement qui permet les initiatives de la base et du socio-communautaire. Le bilan d'ensemble est à la fois clair et plutôt sombre. Face à l'affaiblissement de la notion de responsabilité collective, l'Impression dominante est de se trouver de plus en plus face à des problèmes sans issue, sans solution mais il est vital de ne pas abandonner. Notre volonté également partagée doit être celle de bâtir la cité idéale, même si cela peut relever de l'utopie. L'ère des illusions et des attentes déçues a conduit à celle du soupçon et de l'impatience. Nous aimerions pouvoir entretenir encore l'Illusion ultime que le progrès est possible. Ce n'est qu'à ce prix que la ville cessera d'être le monde de la barbarie pour devenir celui de la civilisation

Adapting two American Decision Aids for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury to the Canadian Context Using the Nominal Group Technique

A mild traumatic brain injury (also called concussion) can happen when the brain moves around in the skull after an impact to the head. A concussion is not a brain bleed and you cannot see a concussion. Concussions do not show up on a computed tomography (CT) scan. Brain bleeds do. Computed tomography scans are specialised X-ray machines that can detect serious brain injuries. Unfortunately, CT scan use also exposes patients to radiation and a future increased risk of cancer. Shared decision making involves health professionals and patients making decisions together based on the best available evidence, health professionals’ experience, and patients’ values and preferences. Shared decision making improves appropriate diagnostic test use. Two decision aids created in the USA are available to facilitate shared decision making regarding the use of head CT scans for patients with concussion. These decision aids are not fully adapted for use in Canada because the healthcare, social and legal context is different. Our study brought together patients and experts in the field of concussion and shared decision making to analyse these decision aids and propose adaptations that would increase their acceptance in Canadian emergency departments. We used a technique called the Nominal Group Technique to create a consensus about the most important changes to make to both original decision aids. The main adaptations needed for the Canadian context concerned avoiding information about cost and removing any information that does not change clinical management. This project will help us adapt two decision aids for clinical use in Canada and support appropriate CT scan use for patients with concussion